General Mills’ marriage stance draws fire, but not much surprise

General Mills announced last week that it opposes the marriage amendment that would Constitutionally ban same sex marriages if Minnesotans approve it in November. The group that’s been most vocal in its criticism is the National Organization for Marriage, which had expressly asked corporations to stay out of the marriage debate. That group sees General Mills’ move as a war on marriage.

To columnist Lila Shapiro, the fact that the group was only asking companies for neutrality — and that even that request was ignored by General Mills – is evidence that the corporate world is moving toward accepting gay marriage.

A longtime Twin Cities public relations expert says the move by General Mills should not surprise those who’ve followed the Golden Valley food giant. Jon Austin tells WCCO the company wants customers. And that means they want to appeal to a broad base of people.